Surveying the Book

Nothing is more important to spiritual health and victorious Christian living than the Bible - God's Word. The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. It continues to be a best-seller, standing the test of time. It is the only literary work with the power to change lives in every culture and age.   But the Bible is more than just great literature. It is the living, God-breathed love letter of the heavenly Father to His children. In this letter, carefully written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are given insight into the heart of the Father, His glorious plan of redemption, and His eternal purposes for humanity. It is truly a "living letter" designed to help us please God daily in every area of our lives.  

"Surveying the Book" is an introductory guided tour of the Bible. In a future Living By the Book course you will learn how to study the Scriptures effectively. In this course, however, the goal is to give you an overview of God's great purposes from the beginning of time on into eternity. You will fly over the majestic mountain peaks and lush green valleys of God's matchless Word, gaining life-changing insights and mastering basic Bible knowledge. Here are just a few of the things you will discover:    Jesus as the central figure of both Testaments. The Old and New Testaments harmoniously fitting together. God's only inspired Word given in the Bible. The Bible as your primary source of wisdom and direction. Biblical direction to meet daily needs by guiding your steps.  

The Bible describes itself in many ways. It is a lamp to our feet, a light to our path, a two-edged sword, and meat for our mind and spirit. The truth of these metaphors will become apparent in your studies. When you have finished this course, you will have a deeper understanding of the relevance and power of God's Word in your life. Most importantly, you will have a greater love for your heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Let's start "Surveying the Book!"  

Instructor:   Your instructor for this course is Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, President, and Founder of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Bruce is one of the most exciting Bible teachers today. A graduate of Northeastern Bible College and Dallas Theological Seminary, Bruce received the Doctor of Divinity degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. After graduating from Dallas, he taught Bible courses at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon, for several years.  

Bruce is the co-author of Talk Thru Bible Personalities as well as our textbook Talk Thru the Bible. He was the Executive Editor of the book introductions and outlines for The Open Bible Expanded Edition and served on the overview committee for the New King James Version of the Bible. He is the Executive Editor of The Daily Walk Bible, first published in 1987 in the Living Bible paraphrase, and in 1988 in the King James Verison.   A board member for a number of Christian organizations, Bruce is in demand as a speaker throughout the world.  

Textbook:   Talk Thru the Bible (TTB) is a one-volume introduction to the sixty-six books of the Bible. With its accessible format, you will quickly grasp the content of the Old and New Testaments. An overview and outline of each book introduces you to its themes. Numerous charts and maps supplement the text, giving additional visual learning. The content of each lesson forms the core of the popular Walk Thru the Bible Seminars. Surveying the Book gives you, in essence, a mini-seminar that will enrich your Bible study for the rest of your life.  

This course also references the following books:  

The International Bible Commentary (IBC)   The New International Dictionary of the Bible (NIDB)   The NIV Topical Study Bible (NIVTSB)